5 match-ups to watch in Texans-Chiefs preseason tilt

5 match-ups to watch in Texans-Chiefs preseason tilt

The Houston Texans return to the gridiron versus the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday evening. Plenty of players will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact, but sometimes, it’s not a particular player that makes a change, but a match-up that settles a game.

Most starters on either side will have little to no impact on the outcome of Thursday’s game, but there’s still plenty to watch with players looking to make an impact and the final 53 man roster. Let’s take a look at the top five battles fans should be intrigued to see come the first whistle.

1. Dylan Cole vs. Spencer Ware

(AP Photo/George Bridges)

Benardrick McKinney recently signed a long-term extension to stay in Houston as the team’s starting middle linebacker. The weak side linebacker position is a bit more tricky moving forward. Second-year defender, Zach Cunningham, will be given the first chance to stay in the starting lineup after a successful rookie campaign. While Cunningham’s cover skills and reliable tackling skills should keep him in the good graces, fellow second-year linebacker Cole could carve himself out a role as well with another successful preseason.

One way to stay in the limelight is attacking the run head-on. Kareem Hunt will likely only play a small role Thursday, so expect to see plenty of carries given to Spencer Ware. Reading the proper gaps and finding holes in the offensive line could lead to another high tackle performance by the former Missouri State linebacker.

What will solidify another stellar performance from Cole will be how he attacks the pass out of the backfield. Expect these two to be paired up all evening with one player besting the other.

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